Taping

Taping for a chronic hamstring strain.

What injuries can taping help with?

Your physical therapist will make an assessment if tape is right for your specific issue.  In general, tape can be used to treat (including, but not limited to) : 

bruising

inflammation

joint pain

low back / neck pain

patellofemoral syndrome

plantar fasciitis

postural issues

strains / sprains

tendonitis

How else does it help?

Tape can help decrease stress to an area.  For example : if you have tennis elbow, applying tape can help decrease the stress / forces to your tendon that is aggravated.

How long will it stay on?
Tape can stay on at least 5 days.

Can I get it wet?
Absolutely.  We recommend not scrubbing the area when in the shower.  After getting out of the shower / pool it's best to pat dry with a towel. We also have an H2O tape that is stickier for those that are in the pool a lot!

Will I be allergic to the tape?
The tape we use is latex free and similar to a bandaid adhesive.  If you've had reactions to bandaids its best to probably avoid the tape.  After application if you notice itching or redness, please remove the tape immediately.  We also have a gentler version of our regular tape for those with sensitive skin.

What brand of tape do you use?
We use RockTape.  We have found it to be the best on the market in terms of effectiveness and lasting / staying power.  Plus, they have patterns and colors which make it way more fun!
You can find out more about RockTape at www.rocktape.com

Taping for pain around the knee cap.

How does it work?

Tape lifts skin away from the muscle and fascia beneath it to decompress the area.

How does it help with pain?
Tape interferes with signals that tell your brain it has pain.  For example : if you hit your thumb with a hammer, your immediate reaction is to rub your thumb.  This is to stimulate different nerves and interrupt the pain signal being sent to your brain. Taping works in a similar fashion. 

How does it help with swelling or bruising?
Because the tape lifts the skin away from the layers underneath, it allows inflammation by-products to be swept away more quickly.

Kinesiology tape is widely used by physical therapists and other medical professionals to help treat injuries and improve athletic performance.

An example of taping for bruising : before (left) and after (right). 

44651 Village Court Suite 120 Palm Desert, CA 92260​

760-501-6655

Dynamic Physical Therapy : an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic. 

​Serving the Coachella Valley and cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Indio.